Any physical therapist you see will stress the importance of maintaining a healthy routine. Physical therapists are experts in helping patients with their mobility and function, but they can also play an integral role in helping implement healthy lifestyle choices – including a beneficial morning routine.
If you are interested in finding out more regarding how you can make the most out of your mornings, contact our office today. These simple techniques for healthy and productive mornings may also help in giving you more energy throughout the day and promoting overall wellness:
I don’t know how to become a morning person – what should I do?
It can admittedly be difficult to train your body to get up early every morning without feeling exhausted. We’ve all made the same excuse when having to wake up earlier than usual: “But I’m not a morning person!” The truth is, anyone can become an early riser if they want to.
One way to make waking up early a bit easier is to focus on your goals. When you wake up earlier, you have more time in the day to be productive and work on said goals. If you are a physical therapy patient, this concept may be easier for you to implement than others – you already have a physical therapist to remind you of the importance of reaching your goals!
However, anyone can implement an earlier start to the day into their morning routine. When your alarm rings and you feel like pressing that snooze button, just remind yourself of your daily goals and why you are getting up earlier – to make progress.
A simple daily reminder that your goal for the day – whatever it may be – can give you the extra shot of energy you need to get out of bed. After a while, you’ll find that waking up early becomes a simple part of your morning routine!
First tip – always hydrate yourself
Many people simply don’t practice recommended hydration methods. If you are exercising daily or participating in physical therapy treatments, it is especially important to make sure you stay hydrated, as you’ll be removing water from your body by sweating. It is important to make sure you drink at least a couple full glasses of water at the start of your morning – and you can have them alongside your nutritional breakfast!
This is a small addition to your morning routine but it can prove extremely beneficial in helping you wake up and feel ready to face the day. It is also a good idea to carry around a water bottle throughout the day that you can continuously fill up as needed, especially when you are at physical therapy sessions or exercising on your own. Never skip out on hydration if you want to feel your best!
Second tip – eat a balanced meal as soon as you wake up
Of course, it is always important to eat a nutritious breakfast; however, it becomes even more important when you are participating in physical therapy treatments. Your physical therapist can recommend healthy options for beginning the day that will limit pain and give you the energy you need to power through your personal and physical goals.
- Fewer carbs. Not all carbs are bad – but it is important to avoid the ones that are. Some carbs can weigh you down and make it more difficult to participate in physical activity. Natural carbs, such as those that come from fruit, are completely fine – it’s the processed food you’ll want to avoid. For example, if you are making some morning toast, opt for whole grain bread instead of white bread. This will help you feel more energized throughout the day.
- More protein. If you are not currently adding protein to your breakfast, it may be a wise decision to start doing so. Even if you aren’t a fan of traditional breakfast proteins (such as turkey sausage or bacon), you can begin your day with alternative proteins, such as eggs, tofu, chicken, or even steak.
Maintaining healthy dietary habits is important to achieve the best benefits in both your physical therapy sessions and your daily life. Eating right in the morning helps you to stay on track for the entire day! You may even find that our healthy morning routine will extend to a healthy lunchtime and dinner routine too.
Need more help? We’ve got you covered!
The small changes noted above can help you feel happier, healthier, and more energized throughout the day. For more help on maintaining a healthy routine, contact our office today. Our physical therapists can provide you with tips and tricks for promoting wellness and living a pain-free life!
